Retirement Reception for Planning Director Chris Brestrup September 26

Planning Director Chris Brestrup announced her retirement from the Town of Amherst after more than two decades of service. Her retirement is effective Friday, September 27. The town will honor her with a celebration in the Town Room of Town Hall, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 26. Light refreshments will be served, and all are welcome.

Since joining the Planning Department in 2003, Brestrup has played a crucial role in shaping the Town’s development and growth. She has overseen numerous projects that have transformed the Town including the creation of new parks, the development of hundreds of housing units, the construction of large capital projects, as well as the implementation of innovative zoning and general bylaw changes. 

“We are deeply grateful for Christine’s dedication and commitment to the Town of Amherst,” said Town Manager Paul Bockelman. “Chris is the consummate professional. She is the embodiment of integrity, intellectual rigor, and professionalism. She is an excellent listener and treats everyone with respect. Most importantly, Chris strengthened the public’s trust in the Planning Department and positioned the Department to be successful well into the future.”   

Assistant Town Manager David Ziomek added, “I have worked closely with Chris throughout her – and my – tenure with the Town. We are fortunate that we had Chris to lead the Planning Department during a period of unprecedented activity, perhaps the busiest period of building and regulatory change in the history of the Town. Through it all, Chris has been unflappable, guiding the Planning Department with a quiet wisdom and steady hand.” 

Brestrup’s tenure with the Town began as a student intern in the Planning Department while pursuing a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. After graduation, Chris worked in Northampton for Huntley Associates and then for a landscape architectural firm in the Boston area before moving back to the Pioneer Valley. She began work in the Amherst Planning Department in 2003 and was appointed Planning Director in 2016. 

“Working for the Town of Amherst has been the best job I’ve ever had,” shared Planning Director Christine Brestrup. “It combines my interests in design and politics. I’ve been privileged to be at the table when decisions are being made that shape the future of Amherst.  I’ve tried to help the public to understand what is going on so that they can make their own informed decisions about whether to support a proposal or not. The Town of Amherst is a wonderful place to live and work, and I’ve been honored to have been part of its development for the past 20 years.”   

Under Brestrup’s leadership, the Planning Department addressed the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors, ensuring the Town’s infrastructure and services met the demands of a rapidly growing community. She successfully balanced the need for economic and housing growth with the recognition that preserving the Town’s heritage was vital to its future. 

Brestrup led the permitting for hundreds of market-rate and affordable housing units which significantly increased the Town’s tax base and provided much-needed housing options for residents.  

She oversaw numerous general and zoning bylaw changes including the Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw, Mixed-use Buildings Bylaw, Preservation of Historically Significant Buildings Bylaw, Accessory Dwelling Unit Bylaw, and Parking Bylaws. In partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Brestrup developed new floodplain maps that were accurate and based on the most recent scientific data. This effort was followed by the adoption of the Floodplain Overlay Zoning District which designated specific areas as high-risk flood zones. 

Brestrup played a central role in supporting the development and expansion of Kendrick Park and Groff Park, the renovations of the historic North Common, and the development and installation of wayfinding signs. Brestrup also played a key role in permitting for upcoming large capital projects including renovation of the Jones Library and construction of the new Fort River Elementary School. These projects will not only enhance the Town’s infrastructure but also provide new opportunities for education and community engagement. 

The Planning Department, under Brestrup’s leadership, provides staff support for over fifteen boards and committees including the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee, Affordable Housing Trust, Historical Commission, Local Historic District Commission, and more. 

“Chris has provided outstanding leadership to our Planning Department during her long service to the Town,” shared Town Council President Lynn Griesemer. “We wish to express our deep appreciation for her many contributions to making Amherst a wonderful place to work and live.” 

After her retirement, Brestrup said she will be available as a consultant to the Planning Department as needed. The Town is currently seeking to hire a new full-time Planning Director.